Non-Invasive Method and Apparatus for Measuring Pressure within a Pliable Vessel

摘要

A non-invasive method and apparatus for measuring pressure within a pliable vessel such as a blood vessel are described. The blood vessel is clamped by means of a clamping structure having a first portion housing a pressure sensor, and a second portion extending over the remote side of the blood vessel for pressing the blood vessel into engagement with the pressure sensing device. The pressure sensing device includes a flat deflectable diaphragm portion arranged to engage the blood vessel. In one embodiment, the clamp structure includes first and second semicylindrical members held together by retaining rings. In a second embodiment the clamp structure is of one piece construction having a solid semicylindrical portion and a hollow semicylindrical portion with a longitudinal slot in the hollow semicylindrical portion through which to slip the blood vessel. In a third embodiment, an elastic strap is employed for clamping the blood vessel against the pressure sensing device.